This thesis aims to explore patients’ perceptions of feeling safe and their postoperative recovery when undergoing orthopedic day surgery. A mixed-methods design was employed, with the thesis comprising four studies involving qualitative and quantitative designs. Data were collected through a literature review (I), a questionnaire sent to people who had undergone orthopedic day surgery that elicited open-ended responses from 97 participants (II), and interviews with 18 people who had undergone orthopedic day surgery (III). Additionally, included with the open-ended questionnaires were the Feeling Safe during Surgery Scale (FSS) and the Swedish version of the Post-discharge Surgical Recovery scale (S-PSR), which garnered 209 responses (IV). Data were analyzed using concept analysis (I), qualitative content analysis (II and III), descriptive statistics, and multiple regression analysis (IV). In order to address the overall aim, the results from Studies I–IV were merged, compared, and related through an additional analysis synthesizing the findings. 

A perceived feeling of safety during the perioperative period is associated with patients’ postoperative recovery. In terms of fostering a sense of safety and supporting recovery from orthopedic day surgery, participants expressed a need for both physical and emotional presence, including not being left alone. Strong relationships between patients and staff promote feelings of safety. Additionally, during the perioperative period, patients undergoing orthopedic day surgery want to be acknowledged as capable persons with unique needs, and their feelings of safety are strengthened through active participation in decision-making regarding their care. Nurses play an important role in promoting recovery by providing individualized information, engaging in dialogue with patients, and addressing their concerns and questions. Since follow-up after orthopedic day surgery is rare, feelings of isolation, abandonment, and insecurity can arise during recovery; therefore, patients must know where to turn with any questions after discharge.

In conclusion, a perceived feeling of safety in the perioperative period may impact postoperative recovery after orthopedic day surgery. Patients prefer not to be left alone, and they wish to be seen as capable and to actively participate in their care and recovery process. Nurses and other staff play an important role in facilitating patients’ sense of safety and their recovery by fostering relationships, providing accurate information, and acting both professionally and personally.